ABC Classic Hitshttp://classichits925.com
Music news, headlines, and gossip from ABC News Radioen-us(c) ABC News RadioChaka Khan's less-than-stellar performance a result of the flu, singer now resting under doctor's ordershttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/507f287d3fb393967ab230ac34e98a30
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 18:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/507f287d3fb393967ab230ac34e98a30ABC/Ida Mae AstuteChaka Khan's onstage appearance at the Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest in Florida over the weekend was met with criticism, as fans on social media questioned if the legendary singer was drunk.

Turns out, she was just ill.

A spokesperson for Khan tells The Jasmine Brand in a statement that the funk/soul gret has been "battling the flu for a number of weeks," and had been ordered by her doctor to cancel some the tour dates on her schedule to rest.

"Unfortunately Chaka, not wanting to disappoint her fans, has performed, while not totally 100%, and the media has been turning these difficult performances into something else," the statement continues.

The message goes on to say that while "Chaka values her fans and supporters and would never do anything to jeopardize their support and love," she's decided "under doctor's orders" to rest for the remainder of the week until her scheduled gig on March 24 at the International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia.

In addition to her forthcoming Cherry Blossom festival set, Chaka is expected to appear at a number of other events in July and August, including the Pitchfork Music Festival on July 20 in Chicago and Bestival in the U.K. on August 2.

A spokesperson for Khan tells The Jasmine Brand in a statement that the funk/soul gret has been "battling the flu for a number of weeks," and had been ordered by her doctor to cancel some the tour dates on her schedule to rest.

"Unfortunately Chaka, not wanting to disappoint her fans, has performed, while not totally 100%, and the media has been turning these difficult performances into something else," the statement continues.

The message goes on to say that while "Chaka values her fans and supporters and would never do anything to jeopardize their support and love," she's decided "under doctor's orders" to rest for the remainder of the week until her scheduled gig on March 24 at the International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia.

In addition to her forthcoming Cherry Blossom festival set, Chaka is expected to appear at a number of other events in July and August, including the Pitchfork Music Festival on July 20 in Chicago and Bestival in the U.K. on August 2.

ABC/Image Group LAAerosmith only have one confirmed concert lined up for 2018, a May 5 performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, but frontman Steven Tyler is preparing to announce his own solo trek, with his backing group The Loving Mary Band.

According to information posted on Tyler's official Facebook page, the trek will run from June to August and will visit venues in North America and Europe.

So far, Tyler's Facebook page has nine confirmed North American dates listed, spanning from a May 12 show in Nashville through a July 11 concert in Calgary, Canada.

The members of The Loving Mary Band contributed to Tyler's debut solo album, the country-flavored We're All Somebody from Somewhere, which was recorded in Nashville and released in 2016.

Here are all of the North American shows listed on Tyler's Facebook page:

ABC/Image Group LAAerosmith only have one confirmed concert lined up for 2018, a May 5 performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, but frontman Steven Tyler is preparing to announce his own solo trek, with his backing group The Loving Mary Band.

According to information posted on Tyler's official Facebook page, the trek will run from June to August and will visit venues in North America and Europe.

So far, Tyler's Facebook page has nine confirmed North American dates listed, spanning from a May 12 show in Nashville through a July 11 concert in Calgary, Canada.

The members of The Loving Mary Band contributed to Tyler's debut solo album, the country-flavored We're All Somebody from Somewhere, which was recorded in Nashville and released in 2016.

Here are all of the North American shows listed on Tyler's Facebook page:

]]>Tickets for new Cher concerts and the pre-Broadway run of "The Cher Show" going on sale this weekhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/08fecaa79058cf10a462952e3347ae78
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 18:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/08fecaa79058cf10a462952e3347ae78John Shearer/Getty Images via ABCDo you "Believe" it? More dates for Cher's current show, Classic Cher, are going on sale this week. The tickets include performances for the show in both Las Vegas and the Washington, D.C., area.

All in all, fifteen additional 2018 dates are going on sale this Friday, March 23, at 10 a.m. PT via ParkTheaterLV.com, MGMNationalHarbor.com and Ticketmaster. They include six shows in August in the D.C. suburb of Oxon Hill, Maryland, and nine performances in Vegas.

Classic Cher, designed exclusively for both the D.C. area and Vegas locations, debuted in February of 2017 and features a trip through the iconic entertainer's 50-year career in music, film and TV.

Also going on sale this Friday: tickets for the pre-Broadway run of The Cher Show, the musical based on the star's life. It'll run from June 12 to July 15 in Chicago, and then debut on Broadway this fall.

]]>John Shearer/Getty Images via ABCDo you "Believe" it? More dates for Cher's current show, Classic Cher, are going on sale this week. The tickets include performances for the show in both Las Vegas and the Washington, D.C., area.

All in all, fifteen additional 2018 dates are going on sale this Friday, March 23, at 10 a.m. PT via ParkTheaterLV.com, MGMNationalHarbor.com and Ticketmaster. They include six shows in August in the D.C. suburb of Oxon Hill, Maryland, and nine performances in Vegas.

Classic Cher, designed exclusively for both the D.C. area and Vegas locations, debuted in February of 2017 and features a trip through the iconic entertainer's 50-year career in music, film and TV.

Also going on sale this Friday: tickets for the pre-Broadway run of The Cher Show, the musical based on the star's life. It'll run from June 12 to July 15 in Chicago, and then debut on Broadway this fall.

]]>The Who's Roger Daltrey to be honored for his charitable work at Nile Rodgers' 2018 We Are Family Foundation galahttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/9bcbc0c657715bcfc815cd726eca0e06
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 16:34:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/9bcbc0c657715bcfc815cd726eca0e06Credit: Fabrice DemessenceThe Who's Roger Daltrey will be one of the honorees at the We Are Family Foundation's 2018 Celebration Gala, which takes place Friday, April 27, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.

Roger is known for his ardent support of numerous charities, including the U.K.'s Teenage Cancer Trust and its U.S. counterpart, Teen Cancer America, the latter of which he co-founded with his Who band mate Pete Townshend.

"As one of the founders of Teen Cancer America, I am proud to be honored by the We Are Family Foundation, who also recognizes the specific needs of our adolescents and young adults and understands how vital it is that we support them as they strive to positively change the world."

Also being honored at the gala will be hip-hop legend LL Cool J, who will receive the Humanitarian Award.

"These two incredibly talented individuals are selflessly dedicated to helping others," We Are Family Foundation founder Nile Rodgers says of Daltrey and LL Cool J.

"We are immensely grateful to them for their efforts to improve the state of humanity and welcome them into our WAFF family."

Daltrey, LL Cool J and Rodgers' band Chic all will perform at the fundraiser. The We Are Family Foundation supports and creates programs promoting cultural diversity while also nurturing and mentoring young people working toward positive change around the world.

]]>Credit: Fabrice DemessenceThe Who's Roger Daltrey will be one of the honorees at the We Are Family Foundation's 2018 Celebration Gala, which takes place Friday, April 27, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.

Roger is known for his ardent support of numerous charities, including the U.K.'s Teenage Cancer Trust and its U.S. counterpart, Teen Cancer America, the latter of which he co-founded with his Who band mate Pete Townshend.

"As one of the founders of Teen Cancer America, I am proud to be honored by the We Are Family Foundation, who also recognizes the specific needs of our adolescents and young adults and understands how vital it is that we support them as they strive to positively change the world."

Also being honored at the gala will be hip-hop legend LL Cool J, who will receive the Humanitarian Award.

"These two incredibly talented individuals are selflessly dedicated to helping others," We Are Family Foundation founder Nile Rodgers says of Daltrey and LL Cool J.

"We are immensely grateful to them for their efforts to improve the state of humanity and welcome them into our WAFF family."

Daltrey, LL Cool J and Rodgers' band Chic all will perform at the fundraiser. The We Are Family Foundation supports and creates programs promoting cultural diversity while also nurturing and mentoring young people working toward positive change around the world.

]]>Film documenting a performance of David Bowie's "Lazarus" musical premiering in Mayhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/dbda65e594c679446209ecb4284e2cc4
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/dbda65e594c679446209ecb4284e2cc4Courtesy of LazarusA new film capturing a London performance of Lazarus, the stage musical co-written by the late David Bowie and Once playwright Enda Walsh, will get its theatrical premiere at a one-night-only event on May 2 at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. The screening will feature a live soundtrack provided by the seven-piece band that backed the production's original cast during its off-Broadway run in December 2015 and January 2016.

The Lazarus performance that was filmed for the movie took place during the musical's London run at Kings Cross Theatre from November 2016 to January 2017. The production was inspired by the 1963 Walter Tevis novel The Man Who Fell to Earth, the 1976 film version of which starred Bowie in the lead role as the alien Thomas Jerome Newton.

The musical's cast was led by Dexter and Six Feet Under star Michael C. Hall as Newton, while the soundtrack included a variety of classic Bowie tunes, as well as the four songs written specifically for the production. Among the latter was "Lazarus," which also appeared on David's final studio album, 2016's Blackstar.

Tickets for Lazarus: The Motion Picture/Live Soundtrack Experience go on sale to the public Tuesday, March 20, at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com. Pre-sale tickets are available now.

]]>Courtesy of LazarusA new film capturing a London performance of Lazarus, the stage musical co-written by the late David Bowie and Once playwright Enda Walsh, will get its theatrical premiere at a one-night-only event on May 2 at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. The screening will feature a live soundtrack provided by the seven-piece band that backed the production's original cast during its off-Broadway run in December 2015 and January 2016.

The Lazarus performance that was filmed for the movie took place during the musical's London run at Kings Cross Theatre from November 2016 to January 2017. The production was inspired by the 1963 Walter Tevis novel The Man Who Fell to Earth, the 1976 film version of which starred Bowie in the lead role as the alien Thomas Jerome Newton.

The musical's cast was led by Dexter and Six Feet Under star Michael C. Hall as Newton, while the soundtrack included a variety of classic Bowie tunes, as well as the four songs written specifically for the production. Among the latter was "Lazarus," which also appeared on David's final studio album, 2016's Blackstar.

Tickets for Lazarus: The Motion Picture/Live Soundtrack Experience go on sale to the public Tuesday, March 20, at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com. Pre-sale tickets are available now.

]]>I'm Still Selling: Elton John #1 on Stubhub's list of top concert ticket sellers of 2018http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/1ec014e30ec9c788acf00550e9dfc499
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 10:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/1ec014e30ec9c788acf00550e9dfc499 David LaChappelleWhile the music charts are now generally dominated by younger pop and R&B artists, it's a different story when it comes to ticket sales. According to StubHub, the world's largest ticket marketplace, the top concert ticket seller of 2018 so far is an artist who's been at it for 50 years and counting...Sir Elton John.

This is no doubt due to the fact that Elton's upcoming tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road, is being billed as his last one -- the pop-rock legend says he will no longer do extensive world tours once this one wraps up. Even more impressive, Elton's trek doesn't even start until September.

Coming in next on the list is an equally legendary artist: Bruce Springsteen. His Springsteen on Broadway shows, currently scheduled to wrap up June 30, 2018, are currently among the hottest tickets in town.

At #5 on StubHub's list of overall ticket sales is another veteran act: The Eagles. The band, which many fans thought would never tour again following the January 2016 death of co-founder Glenn Frey, decided to return to the stage with Glenn's son Deacon and country star Vince Gill rounding out the lineup. Their tour, which started this week, will run through October.

Rounding out Stubhub's 10 most popular tours ranked by ticket sales is Billy Joel, who continues to play a monthly residency at New York City's Madison Square Garden, as well as select other concerts in other cities.

]]> David LaChappelleWhile the music charts are now generally dominated by younger pop and R&B artists, it's a different story when it comes to ticket sales. According to StubHub, the world's largest ticket marketplace, the top concert ticket seller of 2018 so far is an artist who's been at it for 50 years and counting...Sir Elton John.

This is no doubt due to the fact that Elton's upcoming tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road, is being billed as his last one -- the pop-rock legend says he will no longer do extensive world tours once this one wraps up. Even more impressive, Elton's trek doesn't even start until September.

Coming in next on the list is an equally legendary artist: Bruce Springsteen. His Springsteen on Broadway shows, currently scheduled to wrap up June 30, 2018, are currently among the hottest tickets in town.

At #5 on StubHub's list of overall ticket sales is another veteran act: The Eagles. The band, which many fans thought would never tour again following the January 2016 death of co-founder Glenn Frey, decided to return to the stage with Glenn's son Deacon and country star Vince Gill rounding out the lineup. Their tour, which started this week, will run through October.

Rounding out Stubhub's 10 most popular tours ranked by ticket sales is Billy Joel, who continues to play a monthly residency at New York City's Madison Square Garden, as well as select other concerts in other cities.

]]>David Byrne and the late Jimi Hendrix land in top 10 of the 'Billboard' 200 album charthttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/a522afdab239ebd3cc494ed7e931dfca
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 08:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/a522afdab239ebd3cc494ed7e931dfcaNonesuch Records

Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne scored his highest-charting disc ever, landing at number three with his new album, American Utopia. In fact, it's the first time Byrne has cracked the top ten, whether it be as a solo artist or as a member of Talking Heads.

American Utopia moved 63,000 equivalent album units, with just about all of that number in traditional album sales. The highest Byrne ever charted with Talking Heads was #15 with 1983's Speaking in Tongues.

Meanwhile, the latest posthumous release of late guitar legend Jimi Hendrix's music, Both Sides of the Sky, lands at #8 with 37,000 equivalent album units earned in its first week of release. The disc marks the third in a trilogy of albums that the record label has called the "best and most significant unissued studio recordings remaining" in Hendrix’s archives.

Elsewhere in the top 10, veteran heavy metal band Judas Priest also scored their highest-charting album ever with their latest effort, Firepower, coming in at #5. The disc earned 49,000 equivalent album units, with all but 1,000 of those being traditional album sales.

Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne scored his highest-charting disc ever, landing at number three with his new album, American Utopia. In fact, it's the first time Byrne has cracked the top ten, whether it be as a solo artist or as a member of Talking Heads.

American Utopia moved 63,000 equivalent album units, with just about all of that number in traditional album sales. The highest Byrne ever charted with Talking Heads was #15 with 1983's Speaking in Tongues.

Meanwhile, the latest posthumous release of late guitar legend Jimi Hendrix's music, Both Sides of the Sky, lands at #8 with 37,000 equivalent album units earned in its first week of release. The disc marks the third in a trilogy of albums that the record label has called the "best and most significant unissued studio recordings remaining" in Hendrix’s archives.

Elsewhere in the top 10, veteran heavy metal band Judas Priest also scored their highest-charting album ever with their latest effort, Firepower, coming in at #5. The disc earned 49,000 equivalent album units, with all but 1,000 of those being traditional album sales.

]]>Aretha Franklin cancels gigs on doctor's orders to rest for two monthshttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/a6a4b5afe253da3f0de20c7d62da4190
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 08:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/a6a4b5afe253da3f0de20c7d62da4190Nicholas Hunt/WireImageLegendary singer Aretha Franklin will miss two high-profile shows after being ordered by her doctor to rest for the next several weeks, reports Rolling Stone.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer was set to perform a concert on her 76th birthday, March 25, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, as well as a headlining gig April 28 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest.

In a statement, the Queen of Soul's management said, "Aretha Franklin has been ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest completely for at least the next two months. She is extremely disappointed she cannot perform at this year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as she had expected and hoped to."

Organizers of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival have announced that Rod Stewart will take Aretha's place as the April 28 headliner.

As of now, Aretha is still scheduled to play two shows in June -- a June 2 gig at the Wang Theatre in Boston and a June 28 concert at the Toronto Jazz Fest.

Last year, Aretha revealed plans to retire from the road by the end of 2017, but still went ahead and scheduled a handful of dates for 2018.

]]>Nicholas Hunt/WireImageLegendary singer Aretha Franklin will miss two high-profile shows after being ordered by her doctor to rest for the next several weeks, reports Rolling Stone.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer was set to perform a concert on her 76th birthday, March 25, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, as well as a headlining gig April 28 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest.

In a statement, the Queen of Soul's management said, "Aretha Franklin has been ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest completely for at least the next two months. She is extremely disappointed she cannot perform at this year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as she had expected and hoped to."

Organizers of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival have announced that Rod Stewart will take Aretha's place as the April 28 headliner.

As of now, Aretha is still scheduled to play two shows in June -- a June 2 gig at the Wang Theatre in Boston and a June 28 concert at the Toronto Jazz Fest.

Last year, Aretha revealed plans to retire from the road by the end of 2017, but still went ahead and scheduled a handful of dates for 2018.

]]>The Kinks' Dave Davies preparing new archival album of "really great" unreleased tracks from the '70shttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/69d45dfe1de21bd7ad6cfdff404c1428
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/69d45dfe1de21bd7ad6cfdff404c1428Credit: Al PereiraAfter playing a few concerts in California last month, Kinks guitarist Dave Davies will launch a series of spring tour dates in late March that mainly will visit venues in the northeastern U.S. Meanwhile, the 71-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer tells ABC Radio that he's preparing a new archival solo album of "really great" songs that he expects to release this summer.

"We've only just had it mastered," Davies reports. "It's an [album] of unreleased material from the '70s, hence we're gonna call it Decade, being the decade of the '70s."

Dave explains that the record includes "songs from, like, '72, '75, right through that decade," as well as one or two tracks recorded but not used for his 1980 debut solo album, AFL1-3603.

Davies tells ABC Radio that Decade was produced by his son Simon, whom, he says, has "done an incredible job on it, sonically." He adds, "It sounds so good…You know, it's got the ambience, the feel [and] the sonic correctness, almost, of that period."

Dave notes that "a mixture of musicians" contributed to the tracks, including one recorded by just him and founding Kinks drummer Mick Avory and a few featuring his nephew, Phil Palmer, a journeyman guitarist who has performed with Dire Straits, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey and many others.

Davies says the songs weren't necessarily intended for The Kinks, while noting that when he wrote them he thought some "could've been, hopefully should've been."

As for why he decided to release Decade, Dave maintains, "[I]t's so relevant to have these songs out now, because of their historic value, apart from anything else. And I think the songs are really great."

]]>Credit: Al PereiraAfter playing a few concerts in California last month, Kinks guitarist Dave Davies will launch a series of spring tour dates in late March that mainly will visit venues in the northeastern U.S. Meanwhile, the 71-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer tells ABC Radio that he's preparing a new archival solo album of "really great" songs that he expects to release this summer.

"We've only just had it mastered," Davies reports. "It's an [album] of unreleased material from the '70s, hence we're gonna call it Decade, being the decade of the '70s."

Dave explains that the record includes "songs from, like, '72, '75, right through that decade," as well as one or two tracks recorded but not used for his 1980 debut solo album, AFL1-3603.

Davies tells ABC Radio that Decade was produced by his son Simon, whom, he says, has "done an incredible job on it, sonically." He adds, "It sounds so good…You know, it's got the ambience, the feel [and] the sonic correctness, almost, of that period."

Dave notes that "a mixture of musicians" contributed to the tracks, including one recorded by just him and founding Kinks drummer Mick Avory and a few featuring his nephew, Phil Palmer, a journeyman guitarist who has performed with Dire Straits, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey and many others.

Davies says the songs weren't necessarily intended for The Kinks, while noting that when he wrote them he thought some "could've been, hopefully should've been."

As for why he decided to release Decade, Dave maintains, "[I]t's so relevant to have these songs out now, because of their historic value, apart from anything else. And I think the songs are really great."

]]>First tracks released from Elton John's "Revamp/Restoration" projecthttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/0b5df434562ff991b0e882d6af15ccbe
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 18:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/0b5df434562ff991b0e882d6af15ccbeIsland Records/Universal Music Group NashvilleFollowing the news that a bunch of top pop, rock and country stars had put their own spins on Elton John's classic hits for two new tribute albums -- Revamp and Restoration -- we've got our first tastes of the projects.

For Revamp, a cover of Elton's 1976 #1 duet with Kiki Dee, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," has been recorded by pop star Demi Lovato and rapper Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest. They infuse the bouncy pop tune with a more soulful, reggae groove.

Meanwhile, Elton's 2001 single "I Want Love" has been recorded by chart-topping, Grammy-winning country star Chris Stapleton, who turns in a passionate performance.

If the news of these projects has led you to think, "Wait, didn't Elton do this already?" you're correct. In 1991, Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin celebrated their then-25-year partnership with Two Rooms, a tribute album featuring pop and rock stars interpreting their songs. Among those names: The Who, Sinead O'Connor, Eric Clapton, Sting, Phil Collins, Bruce Hornsby, Jon Bon Jovi, Wilson Phillips and George Michael.

Elton explains that Revamp/Restoration is very much a sequel to Two Rooms.

"Last year was our 50th anniversary," he says. "And we thought it'd be nice to do the same sort of thing."

And while Taupin took care of rounding up the country stars for Restoration, John wrangled the artists for Revamp.

"I wrote out a wish list of people that I would love and asked them and to my surprise most of them said yes and we have quite an astonishing, eclectic crew, from The Queens of the Stone Age, from Lady Gaga, to Q-Tip, Demi Lovato, Florence the Machine, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, I mean it's just amazing."

]]>Island Records/Universal Music Group NashvilleFollowing the news that a bunch of top pop, rock and country stars had put their own spins on Elton John's classic hits for two new tribute albums -- Revamp and Restoration -- we've got our first tastes of the projects.

For Revamp, a cover of Elton's 1976 #1 duet with Kiki Dee, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," has been recorded by pop star Demi Lovato and rapper Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest. They infuse the bouncy pop tune with a more soulful, reggae groove.

Meanwhile, Elton's 2001 single "I Want Love" has been recorded by chart-topping, Grammy-winning country star Chris Stapleton, who turns in a passionate performance.

If the news of these projects has led you to think, "Wait, didn't Elton do this already?" you're correct. In 1991, Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin celebrated their then-25-year partnership with Two Rooms, a tribute album featuring pop and rock stars interpreting their songs. Among those names: The Who, Sinead O'Connor, Eric Clapton, Sting, Phil Collins, Bruce Hornsby, Jon Bon Jovi, Wilson Phillips and George Michael.

Elton explains that Revamp/Restoration is very much a sequel to Two Rooms.

"Last year was our 50th anniversary," he says. "And we thought it'd be nice to do the same sort of thing."

And while Taupin took care of rounding up the country stars for Restoration, John wrangled the artists for Revamp.

"I wrote out a wish list of people that I would love and asked them and to my surprise most of them said yes and we have quite an astonishing, eclectic crew, from The Queens of the Stone Age, from Lady Gaga, to Q-Tip, Demi Lovato, Florence the Machine, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, I mean it's just amazing."

]]>The Zombies' Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone appearing Saturday on "CBS This Morning"http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/07786d0c2f4c36c2c8e93aa51f0d3f47
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 18:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/07786d0c2f4c36c2c8e93aa51f0d3f47Credit: Jacob BlickenstaffFounding Zombies keyboardist Rod Argent and singer Colin Blunstone will be guests this Saturday on CBS This Morning. Blunstone and Argent will be interviewed by host Anthony Mason and also will play two songs as part of the program's Saturday Sessions performance series.

You can check out what time the show airs in your area by visiting CBSNews.com.

Meanwhile, a video of Rod and Colin's performance at the recent Led Zeppelin tribute concert held at New York City's famous Carnegie Hall has been posted on YouTube. The duo played a cover of "Thank You," which they dedicated to longtime Zombies bassist Jim Rodford, who died in January.

In addition, The Zombies have posted a video of them playing a version of The Band's "The Weight" with opening act Don DiLego at their March 9 show, appropriately enough, at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, New York, on their official YouTube channel.

The Zombies continue their North American tour on Friday, March 16, with a show at the City Winery in Atlanta. Here are all of the remaining dates on the trek:

]]>Credit: Jacob BlickenstaffFounding Zombies keyboardist Rod Argent and singer Colin Blunstone will be guests this Saturday on CBS This Morning. Blunstone and Argent will be interviewed by host Anthony Mason and also will play two songs as part of the program's Saturday Sessions performance series.

You can check out what time the show airs in your area by visiting CBSNews.com.

Meanwhile, a video of Rod and Colin's performance at the recent Led Zeppelin tribute concert held at New York City's famous Carnegie Hall has been posted on YouTube. The duo played a cover of "Thank You," which they dedicated to longtime Zombies bassist Jim Rodford, who died in January.

In addition, The Zombies have posted a video of them playing a version of The Band's "The Weight" with opening act Don DiLego at their March 9 show, appropriately enough, at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, New York, on their official YouTube channel.

The Zombies continue their North American tour on Friday, March 16, with a show at the City Winery in Atlanta. Here are all of the remaining dates on the trek:

]]>The Temptations releasing new album "All the Time" mixing covers of modern hits and new originalshttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/86b5d29b5593eff488b3a4b799494ec9
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/86b5d29b5593eff488b3a4b799494ec9UMeMotown legends The Temptations will return with their first new studio album in eight years, All the Time, which will be released May 4 on CD, as a vinyl LP and in digital formats. The 10-track collection includes three new original songs, as well as covers of tunes by Michael Jackson and such contemporary artists as Sam Smith, Bruno Mars, John Mayer, Maxwell, Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd.

Among the covers are the 1991 Jackson hit "Remember the Time," the Smith smash "Stay with Me" and Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud." The three original songs are titled "Waitin' on You," "Be My Wife" and "Move Them Britches."

Those pre-ordering the album will receive instant downloads of "Stay with Me" and "Waitin' on You." Both tracks also are available now via streaming services. In addition, you can check out a lyrics video now for "Waitin' on You" at the group's official VEVO YouTube channel.

The digital version of All the Time features two bonus tracks, and alternate mixes of "Stay with Me" and "Move Them Britches." A white vinyl, limited-edition of the album also will be available, and can be pre-ordered at The Temptations' online store.

The Temptations continue to be led by founding member Otis Williams. Reflecting on his career and the group's new album, the 76-year-old singer says, "I'm so proud of what The Temptations have achieved, and I'm grateful for every opportunity we've been so fortunate to receive. The music carries me. Together, we lift our voices with love and wonder. We had a great time recording All the Time and we hope everyone enjoys it."

Here's the full track list of All the Time:

"Stay with Me""Earned It""Pretty Wings""Thinking Out Loud""Waitin' on You""Remember the Time""Be My Wife""Still Feel Like Your Man""When I Was Your Man""Move Them Britches"

]]>UMeMotown legends The Temptations will return with their first new studio album in eight years, All the Time, which will be released May 4 on CD, as a vinyl LP and in digital formats. The 10-track collection includes three new original songs, as well as covers of tunes by Michael Jackson and such contemporary artists as Sam Smith, Bruno Mars, John Mayer, Maxwell, Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd.

Among the covers are the 1991 Jackson hit "Remember the Time," the Smith smash "Stay with Me" and Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud." The three original songs are titled "Waitin' on You," "Be My Wife" and "Move Them Britches."

Those pre-ordering the album will receive instant downloads of "Stay with Me" and "Waitin' on You." Both tracks also are available now via streaming services. In addition, you can check out a lyrics video now for "Waitin' on You" at the group's official VEVO YouTube channel.

The digital version of All the Time features two bonus tracks, and alternate mixes of "Stay with Me" and "Move Them Britches." A white vinyl, limited-edition of the album also will be available, and can be pre-ordered at The Temptations' online store.

The Temptations continue to be led by founding member Otis Williams. Reflecting on his career and the group's new album, the 76-year-old singer says, "I'm so proud of what The Temptations have achieved, and I'm grateful for every opportunity we've been so fortunate to receive. The music carries me. Together, we lift our voices with love and wonder. We had a great time recording All the Time and we hope everyone enjoys it."

Here's the full track list of All the Time:

"Stay with Me""Earned It""Pretty Wings""Thinking Out Loud""Waitin' on You""Remember the Time""Be My Wife""Still Feel Like Your Man""When I Was Your Man""Move Them Britches"

]]>New Glenn Frey box set, "Above the Clouds," explores late Eagle's solo careerhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/85e8233c89871474857b86638e6a5a0c
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 14:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/85e8233c89871474857b86638e6a5a0cGeffen/UMeA new four-disc box set focusing on late Eagles singer Glenn Frey's solo work called Above the Clouds: The Collectionwill be released on May 11.

The compilation features three CDs that include highlights from Frey's solo albums and the 1969 album Longbranch Pennywhistle that he recorded with JD Souther; plus a DVD capturing a 1992 concert.

Above the Clouds' first disc, subtitled The Very Best of Glenn Frey, features most of the singer/songwriter's major solo hits, including "The Heat Is On," "You Belong to the City," "Smuggler's Blues" and "The One You Love." It also features a live medley of two Eagles classics, "Lyin' Eyes" and "Take It Easy," recorded at a July 1992 concert in Dublin, Ireland.

Disc two digs further into Frey's solo catalog, including additional singles, deep cuts and several cover tunes from Glenn's 2012 standards album , After Hours.

The third CD features the entire self-titled album by Longbranch Pennywhistle, Frey's pre-Eagles duo with Souther.

The DVD boasts footage from the aforementioned show in Dublin, which was held at Ireland's National Stadium. The concert includes performances of several Eagles classics along with Frey's solo tunes.

The box set's first disc also will be issued as a standalone CD, and both collections also will be available digitally. Fans who pre-order either Above the Clouds release will immediately receive a free download of two tracks -- the "Lyin Eyes"/"Take It Easy" medley and "The Heat Is On." Those who pre-order the box set also will receive two more free digital tracks, "Run Boy Run" and "I Got Love" on April 13 and May 4, respectively.

Frey died on January 18, 2016, from various health issues. He was 67.

Here's the full track list of Above the Clouds: The Collection:

Disc 1 – Above the Clouds: The Very Best of Glenn Frey

"The Heat Is On""Call on Me" (Theme from South of Sunset)"Part of Me, Part of You""You Belong to the City""Smuggler's Blues""Sexy Girl""The Allnighter""Soul Searchin'""Same Girl""The One You Love""Strange Weather""I've Got Mine""River of Dreams""Love in the 21st Century""Lyin' Eyes"/"Take It Easy" (Medley -- Live at National Stadium, Dublin, Ireland)

]]>Geffen/UMeA new four-disc box set focusing on late Eagles singer Glenn Frey's solo work called Above the Clouds: The Collectionwill be released on May 11.

The compilation features three CDs that include highlights from Frey's solo albums and the 1969 album Longbranch Pennywhistle that he recorded with JD Souther; plus a DVD capturing a 1992 concert.

Above the Clouds' first disc, subtitled The Very Best of Glenn Frey, features most of the singer/songwriter's major solo hits, including "The Heat Is On," "You Belong to the City," "Smuggler's Blues" and "The One You Love." It also features a live medley of two Eagles classics, "Lyin' Eyes" and "Take It Easy," recorded at a July 1992 concert in Dublin, Ireland.

Disc two digs further into Frey's solo catalog, including additional singles, deep cuts and several cover tunes from Glenn's 2012 standards album , After Hours.

The third CD features the entire self-titled album by Longbranch Pennywhistle, Frey's pre-Eagles duo with Souther.

The DVD boasts footage from the aforementioned show in Dublin, which was held at Ireland's National Stadium. The concert includes performances of several Eagles classics along with Frey's solo tunes.

The box set's first disc also will be issued as a standalone CD, and both collections also will be available digitally. Fans who pre-order either Above the Clouds release will immediately receive a free download of two tracks -- the "Lyin Eyes"/"Take It Easy" medley and "The Heat Is On." Those who pre-order the box set also will receive two more free digital tracks, "Run Boy Run" and "I Got Love" on April 13 and May 4, respectively.

Frey died on January 18, 2016, from various health issues. He was 67.

Here's the full track list of Above the Clouds: The Collection:

Disc 1 – Above the Clouds: The Very Best of Glenn Frey

"The Heat Is On""Call on Me" (Theme from South of Sunset)"Part of Me, Part of You""You Belong to the City""Smuggler's Blues""Sexy Girl""The Allnighter""Soul Searchin'""Same Girl""The One You Love""Strange Weather""I've Got Mine""River of Dreams""Love in the 21st Century""Lyin' Eyes"/"Take It Easy" (Medley -- Live at National Stadium, Dublin, Ireland)

]]>Lynyrd Skynyrd's Gary Rossington says new documentary about the band made him cryhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/bfd7dedf405967a5b48dc0a9dfbb1bb8
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 10:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/bfd7dedf405967a5b48dc0a9dfbb1bb8Credit: Michael Zagaris Last year, Lynyrd Skynyrd members legally blocked the making of a film that ex-drummer Artimus Pyle was helping develop about the band and the 1977 plane crash that claimed the life of singer Ronnie Van Zant and others. Now, however, a Lynyrd Skynyrd documentary sanctioned by the band called If I Leave Here Tomorrowpremiered this week at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas.

Founding Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington, who is the main narrator of the movie, tells Yahoo Entertainment that the project offers a more positive look at his band than previous documentaries.

"All the other documentaries were negative, and they really didn't show how when we started, we were brothers," maintains Rossington. "We'd die for each other. We grew up together, you know? We were so happy, and it was a family. [Other films] made it sound like we were all mad at each other."

The 66-year-old rocker also says that watching the flick was very emotional for him and his family.

"I won't be shy to say I cried a few times -- you can't not, if you were part of it," Gary admits. "My daughters were all crying. They made me cry."

Of course, the movie delves into the aforementioned plane crash, which also took the lives of guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister, backing singer Cassie Gaines. One scene revisits the site of the crash, although Rossington -- who was seriously injured in the incident -- had no interest in going back.

"No. I've already been there," says Gary."

In spite of all the tragedy that has befallen Skynyrd, Rossington says he doesn't believe the band was cursed.

"We let life pick us up and shake us and squeeze us, and we tasted it," he maintains, "so I'm happy."

]]>Credit: Michael Zagaris Last year, Lynyrd Skynyrd members legally blocked the making of a film that ex-drummer Artimus Pyle was helping develop about the band and the 1977 plane crash that claimed the life of singer Ronnie Van Zant and others. Now, however, a Lynyrd Skynyrd documentary sanctioned by the band called If I Leave Here Tomorrowpremiered this week at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas.

Founding Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington, who is the main narrator of the movie, tells Yahoo Entertainment that the project offers a more positive look at his band than previous documentaries.

"All the other documentaries were negative, and they really didn't show how when we started, we were brothers," maintains Rossington. "We'd die for each other. We grew up together, you know? We were so happy, and it was a family. [Other films] made it sound like we were all mad at each other."

The 66-year-old rocker also says that watching the flick was very emotional for him and his family.

"I won't be shy to say I cried a few times -- you can't not, if you were part of it," Gary admits. "My daughters were all crying. They made me cry."

Of course, the movie delves into the aforementioned plane crash, which also took the lives of guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister, backing singer Cassie Gaines. One scene revisits the site of the crash, although Rossington -- who was seriously injured in the incident -- had no interest in going back.

"No. I've already been there," says Gary."

In spite of all the tragedy that has befallen Skynyrd, Rossington says he doesn't believe the band was cursed.

"We let life pick us up and shake us and squeeze us, and we tasted it," he maintains, "so I'm happy."

]]>(Sittin' On) The Top of the Charts: Otis Redding's classic song "Dock of the Bay" hit #1 50 years ago todayhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/6711e613f8e464d4196c3c3e92d6ff59
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/6711e613f8e464d4196c3c3e92d6ff59Bob Buchanan/Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty ImagesToday marks the 50th anniversary of the day that late soul legend Otis Redding's classic song "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" hit #1 on the Billboard pop and R&B singles chart.

Redding co-wrote the tune with Booker T. and the MG's guitarist Steve Cropper and recorded it during two sessions at Memphis' Stax Studios, on November 22 and December 7, 1967. Three days after the latter session, Otis was killed in a plane crash while traveling to a show in Madison, Wisconsin.

"(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released as a single on January 8, 1968, and also was included on the posthumous Redding album Dock of the Bay, which hit stores the following month. The song spent four weeks on the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first posthumous single ever to hit #1 on the chart.

As part of the ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations in honor "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," a new archival album titled Dock of the Bay Sessions, featuring some of the final recordings made by Redding, will be released on May 18 as a CD, a 180-gram vinyl LP, a digital download and via streaming services.

The 12-track collection is made up of previously released songs put together to mimic what the album Otis was working on at the time of his death might have sounded like. Besides the title track, the record includes the posthumous Redding singles "Hard to Handle," "The Happy Song (Dum-Dum)" and "Amen."

Dock of the Bay Sessions was compiled with the full endorsement of the Redding family, with input from Otis biographer Jonathan Gould.

Here's the full Dock of the Bay Sessions track list:

"(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay""Think About It""Hard To Handle""The Happy Song (Dum-Dum)""Love Man""Direct Me""I've Got Dreams to Remember""Champagne and Wine""Pounds and Hundreds (LBS 100s)""I'm a Changed Man""Gone Again""Amen"

]]>Bob Buchanan/Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty ImagesToday marks the 50th anniversary of the day that late soul legend Otis Redding's classic song "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" hit #1 on the Billboard pop and R&B singles chart.

Redding co-wrote the tune with Booker T. and the MG's guitarist Steve Cropper and recorded it during two sessions at Memphis' Stax Studios, on November 22 and December 7, 1967. Three days after the latter session, Otis was killed in a plane crash while traveling to a show in Madison, Wisconsin.

"(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released as a single on January 8, 1968, and also was included on the posthumous Redding album Dock of the Bay, which hit stores the following month. The song spent four weeks on the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first posthumous single ever to hit #1 on the chart.

As part of the ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations in honor "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," a new archival album titled Dock of the Bay Sessions, featuring some of the final recordings made by Redding, will be released on May 18 as a CD, a 180-gram vinyl LP, a digital download and via streaming services.

The 12-track collection is made up of previously released songs put together to mimic what the album Otis was working on at the time of his death might have sounded like. Besides the title track, the record includes the posthumous Redding singles "Hard to Handle," "The Happy Song (Dum-Dum)" and "Amen."

Dock of the Bay Sessions was compiled with the full endorsement of the Redding family, with input from Otis biographer Jonathan Gould.

Here's the full Dock of the Bay Sessions track list:

"(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay""Think About It""Hard To Handle""The Happy Song (Dum-Dum)""Love Man""Direct Me""I've Got Dreams to Remember""Champagne and Wine""Pounds and Hundreds (LBS 100s)""I'm a Changed Man""Gone Again""Amen"

]]>Gene Simmons hired to promote Canadian cannabis company; releasing new book about the "27 Club"http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/ce9ab0348e755d10b15d0e8ab0bd7928
Thu, 15 Mar 2018 18:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/ce9ab0348e755d10b15d0e8ab0bd7928CNW Group/Invictus MD StrategiesKISS' Gene Simmons is known for abstaining from drugs and alcohol, but the long-tongued rock legend has just been named the "chief evangelist officer" of Invictus MD Strategies Corporation, a Canadian cannabis company. As part of his new job, Simmons will use his branding and marketing expertise to help raise public awareness about the products the company is planning to introduce if Canada goes forward with its expected legalization of marijuana this year.

Among Simmons' responsibilities will be marketing consultation, media spokesman and taking part in various corporate events.

"Gene Simmons is a branding and merchandising genius, who not only created one of the most iconic bands of all time but has spent decades building successful brands internationally in various industries," says Invitus CEO Dan Kriznic. "Gene will lead marketing initiatives that will help spread the positive messages that dwell at the heart of Invictus in accordance with the strict regulations of Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, the Food and Drugs Act and the Narcotic Control Regulations."

In other news, Simmons has written a new book titled 27: The Legend and Mythology of the 27 Club that's scheduled to be published on August 14. The book looks at the slew of famous musicians who have passed away at the age of 27, among them The Rolling Stones' Brian Jones, The Doors' Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse.

In addition to profiling the various artists, Simmons looks at the often-decadent rock 'n' roll lifestyle that led to many of their deaths, and delves into why people are fascinated by stars who die young.

Meanwhile, Simmons has a number of North American solo concerts lined up to promote his massive Vault Experience compilation. Here they are:

]]>CNW Group/Invictus MD StrategiesKISS' Gene Simmons is known for abstaining from drugs and alcohol, but the long-tongued rock legend has just been named the "chief evangelist officer" of Invictus MD Strategies Corporation, a Canadian cannabis company. As part of his new job, Simmons will use his branding and marketing expertise to help raise public awareness about the products the company is planning to introduce if Canada goes forward with its expected legalization of marijuana this year.

Among Simmons' responsibilities will be marketing consultation, media spokesman and taking part in various corporate events.

"Gene Simmons is a branding and merchandising genius, who not only created one of the most iconic bands of all time but has spent decades building successful brands internationally in various industries," says Invitus CEO Dan Kriznic. "Gene will lead marketing initiatives that will help spread the positive messages that dwell at the heart of Invictus in accordance with the strict regulations of Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, the Food and Drugs Act and the Narcotic Control Regulations."

In other news, Simmons has written a new book titled 27: The Legend and Mythology of the 27 Club that's scheduled to be published on August 14. The book looks at the slew of famous musicians who have passed away at the age of 27, among them The Rolling Stones' Brian Jones, The Doors' Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse.

In addition to profiling the various artists, Simmons looks at the often-decadent rock 'n' roll lifestyle that led to many of their deaths, and delves into why people are fascinated by stars who die young.

Meanwhile, Simmons has a number of North American solo concerts lined up to promote his massive Vault Experience compilation. Here they are:

]]>Don McLean to be honored with Lifetime Achievement Award in hometown of New Rochelle, NYhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/d72f15f3f7b8a42565b681ae4a26856e
Thu, 15 Mar 2018 18:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/d72f15f3f7b8a42565b681ae4a26856eCredit: Keith PerryAs Don McLean prepares to release his latest solo album, Botanical Gardens, the "American Pie" singer/songwriter will be honored in his hometown of New Rochelle, New York, at two special events on Wednesday, March 21.

At 4 p.m. ET that day, a ceremony will be held during which McLean will dedicate his existing plaque at the city's Walk of Fame in Ruby Dee Park. Then, at 7 p.m., Don will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Dinner Dance and Awards event organized by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce.

McLean also will be taking part in a variety of interviews and promotional appearances in support of Botanical Gardens, which will be released Friday, March 23.

On Tuesday, March 20, Don will be featured in a new episode of Heartland TV show More Than the Music, premiering at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The program will also be available on the Heartland TV Roku channel and online at WatchHeartlandTV.com. An encore viewing will air Sunday, March 25, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

McLean also will celebrate the album's release with a March 23 concert at City Winery in New York City, and he has more than a dozen other confirmed U.S. shows on his tour schedule. The trek includes a lengthy series of concerts in the U.K. and Ireland that runs from late April to mid-June.

As for Botanical Gardens, the 13-track collection features the 72-year-old musician reflecting on love and aging, as well as reminiscing about his youth.

Here are all of McLean's scheduled U.S. dates, according to his official website:

]]>Credit: Keith PerryAs Don McLean prepares to release his latest solo album, Botanical Gardens, the "American Pie" singer/songwriter will be honored in his hometown of New Rochelle, New York, at two special events on Wednesday, March 21.

At 4 p.m. ET that day, a ceremony will be held during which McLean will dedicate his existing plaque at the city's Walk of Fame in Ruby Dee Park. Then, at 7 p.m., Don will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Dinner Dance and Awards event organized by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce.

McLean also will be taking part in a variety of interviews and promotional appearances in support of Botanical Gardens, which will be released Friday, March 23.

On Tuesday, March 20, Don will be featured in a new episode of Heartland TV show More Than the Music, premiering at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The program will also be available on the Heartland TV Roku channel and online at WatchHeartlandTV.com. An encore viewing will air Sunday, March 25, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

McLean also will celebrate the album's release with a March 23 concert at City Winery in New York City, and he has more than a dozen other confirmed U.S. shows on his tour schedule. The trek includes a lengthy series of concerts in the U.K. and Ireland that runs from late April to mid-June.

As for Botanical Gardens, the 13-track collection features the 72-year-old musician reflecting on love and aging, as well as reminiscing about his youth.

Here are all of McLean's scheduled U.S. dates, according to his official website:

]]>Top rock, pop and country stars "revamp" and "restore" Elton John classics on two new albumshttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/8da7e35574b78b82a50213f7a54379b0
Thu, 15 Mar 2018 14:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/8da7e35574b78b82a50213f7a54379b0Island Records/Universal Music Group NashvilleA pair of Elton John tribute albums titled Revamp and Restore, which feature stars from various music genres covering the pop-rock legend's classic songs, will be released on April 6.

The album kicks off with a reworking of "Bennie and the Jets" featuring Sir Elton himself, in collaboration with pop star Pink and Grammy-nominated rapper Logic.

Meanwhile, Restoration sees some of country's biggest names, as well as The Eagles' Don Henley, performing renditions of Elton John songs. Henley is featured duetting on "Sacrifice" with country star and current Eagle Vince Gill.

"As songwriters, Bernie [Taupin] and myself are thrilled when singers we admire and respect as much as those on Revamp & Restoration choose to add their own unique twist in the process," says John in a statement. "It means that our music is still relevant and ultimately that our songs continue to reach new audiences. We're humbled and thank them all for their generosity."

Several artists featured on Revamp and Restoration also will appear on the upcoming TV special Elton John: I'm Still Standing -- A Grammy Salute, which airs April 10 on CBS.

]]>Island Records/Universal Music Group NashvilleA pair of Elton John tribute albums titled Revamp and Restore, which feature stars from various music genres covering the pop-rock legend's classic songs, will be released on April 6.

The album kicks off with a reworking of "Bennie and the Jets" featuring Sir Elton himself, in collaboration with pop star Pink and Grammy-nominated rapper Logic.

Meanwhile, Restoration sees some of country's biggest names, as well as The Eagles' Don Henley, performing renditions of Elton John songs. Henley is featured duetting on "Sacrifice" with country star and current Eagle Vince Gill.

"As songwriters, Bernie [Taupin] and myself are thrilled when singers we admire and respect as much as those on Revamp & Restoration choose to add their own unique twist in the process," says John in a statement. "It means that our music is still relevant and ultimately that our songs continue to reach new audiences. We're humbled and thank them all for their generosity."

Several artists featured on Revamp and Restoration also will appear on the upcoming TV special Elton John: I'm Still Standing -- A Grammy Salute, which airs April 10 on CBS.

]]>Roger Daltrey's new solo album, "As Long as I Have You," arriving on June 1; listen to title track nowhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/55b7e89c7c25fb88668a642dd0117c9d
Thu, 15 Mar 2018 11:44:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/55b7e89c7c25fb88668a642dd0117c9dRepublic/UMe

Roger Daltrey recently revealed to ABC Radio that he'll be releasing a new soul-inspired solo album called As Long as I Have You in June, and now the Who frontman has announced full official details about the project.

The 12-track collection, which will hit stores on June 1, includes 10 covers and two new original Daltrey compositions: "Certified Rose" and "Always Heading Home."

The Who's Pete Townshend played guitar on seven of the songs, while former Style Council keyboardist Mick Talbot and veteran session guitarist Sean Genockey also contributed to the record.

"This is a return to the very beginning, to the time before Pete started writing our songs, to a time when we were a teenage band playing soul music to small crowds in church halls," Daltrey explains of the album. "That's what we were, a soul band. And now, I can sing soul with all the experience you need to sing it. Life puts the soul in."

The album's title track and lead song is a rendition of 1964 tune recorded by Garnet Mimms and written by Jerry Ragavoy and Ben Elgin. Other covers on the record include versions of Stevie Wonder's "You Haven't Done Nothing" and The Jackson Five's "The Love You Save."

Beyond the vintage soul material, Roger also has included his takes on Nick Cave's "Into Your Arms" and Stephen Stills' "How Far."

As Long as I Have You is available for pre-order now on CD, as a black-vinyl and limited-edition red-vinyl LP and digitally. Fans buying an advance copy of the album will receive an immediate free download of the title track. You also can listen to the song at Daltrey's official VEVO YouTube channel.

Here is the full track list of As Long as I Have You:

"As Long as I Have You""How Far""Where Is a Man to Go?""Get On Out of the Rain""I've Got Your Love""Into My Arms""You Haven't Done Nothing""Out of Sight, Out of Mind""Certified Rose""The Love You Save""Always Heading Home"

Roger Daltrey recently revealed to ABC Radio that he'll be releasing a new soul-inspired solo album called As Long as I Have You in June, and now the Who frontman has announced full official details about the project.

The 12-track collection, which will hit stores on June 1, includes 10 covers and two new original Daltrey compositions: "Certified Rose" and "Always Heading Home."

The Who's Pete Townshend played guitar on seven of the songs, while former Style Council keyboardist Mick Talbot and veteran session guitarist Sean Genockey also contributed to the record.

"This is a return to the very beginning, to the time before Pete started writing our songs, to a time when we were a teenage band playing soul music to small crowds in church halls," Daltrey explains of the album. "That's what we were, a soul band. And now, I can sing soul with all the experience you need to sing it. Life puts the soul in."

The album's title track and lead song is a rendition of 1964 tune recorded by Garnet Mimms and written by Jerry Ragavoy and Ben Elgin. Other covers on the record include versions of Stevie Wonder's "You Haven't Done Nothing" and The Jackson Five's "The Love You Save."

Beyond the vintage soul material, Roger also has included his takes on Nick Cave's "Into Your Arms" and Stephen Stills' "How Far."

As Long as I Have You is available for pre-order now on CD, as a black-vinyl and limited-edition red-vinyl LP and digitally. Fans buying an advance copy of the album will receive an immediate free download of the title track. You also can listen to the song at Daltrey's official VEVO YouTube channel.

Here is the full track list of As Long as I Have You:

"As Long as I Have You""How Far""Where Is a Man to Go?""Get On Out of the Rain""I've Got Your Love""Into My Arms""You Haven't Done Nothing""Out of Sight, Out of Mind""Certified Rose""The Love You Save""Always Heading Home"

Through Artbit, artists will be able to link their performances and shows to the platform's "virtual stages," which fans can then watch, comment on, share and even take part in. Viewers also will be able to contribute to the artists using crypto-currency.

"Before I had any recognition as a musician, I was roaming back alleys in Hollywood, playing any gig I could get, sleeping on couches and surviving off Top Ramen," says Sorum. "Today, getting recognition is easier, but getting paid is even harder. With Artbit, we're giving power back to the fans to tell the world who deserves attention, and we're giving a platform to artists to turn their dreams into a paying reality."

Sorum and other members of the Artbit team will host a special showcase during the South by Southwest Festival at Antone's in Austin, Texas, this Friday afternoon, where they will discuss the new platform. The event also will include a special performance featuring Sorum and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, as well as a DJ set by renowned contemporary artist Shepard Fairey.

You can find up more details about Artbit by signing up at the company official website.

]]>Credit: Michael SegalFormer Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum has co-founded a new virtual platform called Artbit that seeks to help struggling artists, musicians and street performers support themselves by earning crypto-currency for their work.

Through Artbit, artists will be able to link their performances and shows to the platform's "virtual stages," which fans can then watch, comment on, share and even take part in. Viewers also will be able to contribute to the artists using crypto-currency.

"Before I had any recognition as a musician, I was roaming back alleys in Hollywood, playing any gig I could get, sleeping on couches and surviving off Top Ramen," says Sorum. "Today, getting recognition is easier, but getting paid is even harder. With Artbit, we're giving power back to the fans to tell the world who deserves attention, and we're giving a platform to artists to turn their dreams into a paying reality."

Sorum and other members of the Artbit team will host a special showcase during the South by Southwest Festival at Antone's in Austin, Texas, this Friday afternoon, where they will discuss the new platform. The event also will include a special performance featuring Sorum and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, as well as a DJ set by renowned contemporary artist Shepard Fairey.

You can find up more details about Artbit by signing up at the company official website.

]]>Cher's favorite designer is on board for her new Broadway musicalhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/79fc2410797a794397b4ec84f605867d
Thu, 15 Mar 2018 10:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/79fc2410797a794397b4ec84f605867dJohn Shearer/Getty Images via ABCCher herself won't be starring in The Cher Show -- the upcoming Broadway musical based on her life and career -- but the actresses portraying her will be certainly be wearing the right outfits.

Women's Wear Daily reports that legendary designer Bob Mackie, who has created the majority of Cher's most iconic looks, will be designing the costumes for The Cher Show, which debuts June 12 at the Oriental Theater in Chicago before it hits Broadway this fall.

Mackie, 77, has been designing Cher's over-the-top, glitzy outfits for decades, including the nearly nude sequined number she wore when she won the Best Actress Oscar in 1988 for Moonstruck.

Mackie also created the outfit that Cher told People magazine last year is her all-time favorite: the one she wore to the 1986 Academy Awards, where she presented the Best Supporting Actor trophy. It featured a tiny sequined spiderweb top, acres of bare tummy, a long black straight sequined skirt, and an over-the-top feathered headdress.

"It was just crazy, but I was so in love with it," she says of the outfit. "It was this huge black feather Mohawk. I mean, I love that outfit so much. It was so beautiful."

Most recently, Mackie created the wardrobe for Cher's Las Vegas residency, which ran from 2008 to 2011, as well as for her current residency at the Park Theater at the Monte Carlo.

According to WWD, for The Cher Show, Mackie will "re-create and reimagine" Cher's iconic looks from the last 50 years.

Different actresses will portray the diva at different stages of her career in the musical.

]]>John Shearer/Getty Images via ABCCher herself won't be starring in The Cher Show -- the upcoming Broadway musical based on her life and career -- but the actresses portraying her will be certainly be wearing the right outfits.

Women's Wear Daily reports that legendary designer Bob Mackie, who has created the majority of Cher's most iconic looks, will be designing the costumes for The Cher Show, which debuts June 12 at the Oriental Theater in Chicago before it hits Broadway this fall.

Mackie, 77, has been designing Cher's over-the-top, glitzy outfits for decades, including the nearly nude sequined number she wore when she won the Best Actress Oscar in 1988 for Moonstruck.

Mackie also created the outfit that Cher told People magazine last year is her all-time favorite: the one she wore to the 1986 Academy Awards, where she presented the Best Supporting Actor trophy. It featured a tiny sequined spiderweb top, acres of bare tummy, a long black straight sequined skirt, and an over-the-top feathered headdress.

"It was just crazy, but I was so in love with it," she says of the outfit. "It was this huge black feather Mohawk. I mean, I love that outfit so much. It was so beautiful."

Most recently, Mackie created the wardrobe for Cher's Las Vegas residency, which ran from 2008 to 2011, as well as for her current residency at the Park Theater at the Monte Carlo.

According to WWD, for The Cher Show, Mackie will "re-create and reimagine" Cher's iconic looks from the last 50 years.

Different actresses will portray the diva at different stages of her career in the musical.

]]>Def Leppard's Rick Allen to appear at two exhibits of his artwork on Saturdayhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/0f0a9bb5d618a6550592169e580e96c8
Thu, 15 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/0f0a9bb5d618a6550592169e580e96c8Michael Tran/FilmMagicDef Leppard drummer Rick Allen's artistic talents will be on display at a pair of new exhibits opening this Saturday, March 17, at Wentworth Gallery locations at the Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Maryland, and Tysons Galleria in McLean, Virginia. The exhibitions will include pieces from the new "Rick Allen: Legends" collection, which features portraits of various musicians that the veteran British rocker admires.

"These individuals are my personal heroes, as well as heroes to so many countless people around the globe," says Rick. "It is through all of us that their spirits live on and continue to influence and shape our experience and inspire our hearts to dream of a limitless world."

Allen will be making appearances at both events, which are scheduled to take place, respectively, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET in Bethesda and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET in McLean.

The "Legends" collection features original acrylic paintings on canvas and mixed media. Pieces from Allen's "Drums for Peace" and "Art to Wear" collections also will be on display at the galleries.

Part of the proceeds from the art sold at the exhibits will benefit Project Resiliency's Warrior Resiliency Program, an initiative sponsored by Rick's Raven Drum Foundation that seeks to support, educate and empower military veterans and people in crisis.

As previously reported, Allen and Def Leppard will be hitting the road with Journey this year for a major North American tour kicking off May 21 in Hartford, Connecticut.

]]>Michael Tran/FilmMagicDef Leppard drummer Rick Allen's artistic talents will be on display at a pair of new exhibits opening this Saturday, March 17, at Wentworth Gallery locations at the Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Maryland, and Tysons Galleria in McLean, Virginia. The exhibitions will include pieces from the new "Rick Allen: Legends" collection, which features portraits of various musicians that the veteran British rocker admires.

"These individuals are my personal heroes, as well as heroes to so many countless people around the globe," says Rick. "It is through all of us that their spirits live on and continue to influence and shape our experience and inspire our hearts to dream of a limitless world."

Allen will be making appearances at both events, which are scheduled to take place, respectively, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET in Bethesda and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET in McLean.

The "Legends" collection features original acrylic paintings on canvas and mixed media. Pieces from Allen's "Drums for Peace" and "Art to Wear" collections also will be on display at the galleries.

Part of the proceeds from the art sold at the exhibits will benefit Project Resiliency's Warrior Resiliency Program, an initiative sponsored by Rick's Raven Drum Foundation that seeks to support, educate and empower military veterans and people in crisis.

As previously reported, Allen and Def Leppard will be hitting the road with Journey this year for a major North American tour kicking off May 21 in Hartford, Connecticut.

]]>Jimmy Buffett musical "Escape to Margaritaville" officially opens on Broadway tonighthttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/d3a8623bda348c21d6a78bfd7a49cca8
Thu, 15 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/d3a8623bda348c21d6a78bfd7a49cca8Credit: Julie Skarratt Exciting news, Parrotheads!: Escape to Margaritaville, the musical inspired by and featuring the music of Jimmy Buffett, opens officially tonight at Broadway's Marquis Theatre in New York City. The musical comedy features both classic and new Buffett compositions and tells the story about a part-time bartender and part-time singer at a Caribbean resort who falls for a beautiful career-minded vacationer.

The production is directed by Christopher Ashley, who won a Tony Award last year for Come from Away, with a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O'Malley, who both worked on the popular TV series My Name Is Earl.

Among the well-known Buffett tunes featured in the show are "Fins," "Son of a Son of a Sailor," "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and, of course, "Margaritaville."

You can expect Buffett to chat about the musical this evening when he makes a guest appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which airs at 11:35 p.m. ET/10:35 p.m. CT.

An original cast recording for Escape to Margaritavillewas released last month. Here's the full track list of the album:

"License to Chill""Fins""It's Five O'clock Somewhere""Ragtop Day""It's My Job""Why Don't We Get Drunk""Three Chords""We Are the People Our Parents Warned Us About""Son of a Son of a Sailor""My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink and I Don't Love Jesus""Coconut Telegraph" Medley: "Coconut Telegraph"/"Last Mango in Paris"/"Cabana (Havana) Daydreamin'"/"Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes""Margaritaville""Volcano""Grapefruit - Juicy Fruit""He Went to Paris""Cheeseburger in Paradise""Tin Cup Chalice""Love and Luck" Medley: "Love and Luck"/"Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On""Come Monday" Medley: "Come Monday"/"Beautifulness""A Pirate Looks at Forty""One Particular Harbour""I Will Play for Gumbo"

]]>Credit: Julie Skarratt Exciting news, Parrotheads!: Escape to Margaritaville, the musical inspired by and featuring the music of Jimmy Buffett, opens officially tonight at Broadway's Marquis Theatre in New York City. The musical comedy features both classic and new Buffett compositions and tells the story about a part-time bartender and part-time singer at a Caribbean resort who falls for a beautiful career-minded vacationer.

The production is directed by Christopher Ashley, who won a Tony Award last year for Come from Away, with a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O'Malley, who both worked on the popular TV series My Name Is Earl.

Among the well-known Buffett tunes featured in the show are "Fins," "Son of a Son of a Sailor," "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and, of course, "Margaritaville."

You can expect Buffett to chat about the musical this evening when he makes a guest appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which airs at 11:35 p.m. ET/10:35 p.m. CT.

An original cast recording for Escape to Margaritavillewas released last month. Here's the full track list of the album:

"License to Chill""Fins""It's Five O'clock Somewhere""Ragtop Day""It's My Job""Why Don't We Get Drunk""Three Chords""We Are the People Our Parents Warned Us About""Son of a Son of a Sailor""My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink and I Don't Love Jesus""Coconut Telegraph" Medley: "Coconut Telegraph"/"Last Mango in Paris"/"Cabana (Havana) Daydreamin'"/"Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes""Margaritaville""Volcano""Grapefruit - Juicy Fruit""He Went to Paris""Cheeseburger in Paradise""Tin Cup Chalice""Love and Luck" Medley: "Love and Luck"/"Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On""Come Monday" Medley: "Come Monday"/"Beautifulness""A Pirate Looks at Forty""One Particular Harbour""I Will Play for Gumbo"

Perry will be joined by fellow Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford and Extreme singer Gary Cherone at the shows, which are scheduled for April 18 in Boston; April 19 in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire; and April 20 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The Boston and Hampton Beach gigs will featuring opening sets by ex-Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau's new group Engine Room, and Charlie Farren, lead singer of The Joe Perry Project. Tickets for all three "Joe Perry and Friends" concerts go on sale to the public this Friday, March 16. Visit JoePerry.com for more info.

Fans can expect Perry to play songs from Sweetzerland Manifesto, as well as a few Aerosmith tunes and some material from his other solo albums.

Sweetzerland Manifesto, which was released on January 19, features collaborations with, and guest vocals by, Cheap Trick's Robin Zander, David Johansen and British blues-rock veteran Terry Reid.

Other artists who contributed their talents to the album included Perry's Hollywood Vampires band mate Johnny Depp, Who touring drummer Zak Starkey and Joe's sons Tony and Roman. The project also was executive produced by Depp.

In celebration of the album's release, a star-studded "Joe Perry and Friends" show was held in January at the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California. The show included surprise appearances from Slash and Depp, as well as performances by Zander, Johansen, Reid, Cherone and ex-Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson. Joe's backing group for the evening included Stone Temple Pilots' Dean and Robert DeLeo.

]]>Credit: Ross HalfinAerosmith's Joe Perry has lined up a trio of concerts in the northeastern U.S. next month in support of his recent solo album, Sweetzerland Manifesto.

Perry will be joined by fellow Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford and Extreme singer Gary Cherone at the shows, which are scheduled for April 18 in Boston; April 19 in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire; and April 20 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The Boston and Hampton Beach gigs will featuring opening sets by ex-Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau's new group Engine Room, and Charlie Farren, lead singer of The Joe Perry Project. Tickets for all three "Joe Perry and Friends" concerts go on sale to the public this Friday, March 16. Visit JoePerry.com for more info.

Fans can expect Perry to play songs from Sweetzerland Manifesto, as well as a few Aerosmith tunes and some material from his other solo albums.

Sweetzerland Manifesto, which was released on January 19, features collaborations with, and guest vocals by, Cheap Trick's Robin Zander, David Johansen and British blues-rock veteran Terry Reid.

Other artists who contributed their talents to the album included Perry's Hollywood Vampires band mate Johnny Depp, Who touring drummer Zak Starkey and Joe's sons Tony and Roman. The project also was executive produced by Depp.

In celebration of the album's release, a star-studded "Joe Perry and Friends" show was held in January at the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California. The show included surprise appearances from Slash and Depp, as well as performances by Zander, Johansen, Reid, Cherone and ex-Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson. Joe's backing group for the evening included Stone Temple Pilots' Dean and Robert DeLeo.

]]>Watch trailer for new Neil Young film, "Paradox," which premieres at SXSW fest Thursdayhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/6ec33a722be6912953a0a16be6d58de9
Wed, 14 Mar 2018 14:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/6ec33a722be6912953a0a16be6d58de9NetflixYou now can get your first look at Paradox, the new movie starring Neil Young that was written and directed by his girlfriend, actress Daryl Hannah. The official trailer for the film has premiered on the Netflix YouTube channel.

The promo begins with a montage of images, including a cluster of white tents under a starry sky, a forest path, a marshy pond and a deer's skull tied to a wooden board. At the same time, we hear Willie Nelson's voice saying, "Many moons ago, in the future, a mangy group of outlaws hid out by a precious water source, while the real bad guys quietly stole the seeds of life."

We see those outlaws -- played by the members of Young's current backing group, Promise of the Real -- walking through the woods, and then sitting around a campfire and throwing their hats in the air, firing guns and yelling.

We then get a close-up look at Neil's character, we hear him singing his recent song "Peace Trail" as an unidentified voice declares, "The Man in the Black Hat, I hear he can be kind of shaky."

This is likely an inside joke: Neil has directed five music-related films under the alias "Bernard Shakey."

The trailer continues with quick glimpses of a young girl running toward the tents, the outlaws entering another and performing a tune, and Neil handing a flower to the girl.

As the trailer ends, we hear Nelson's voice say, "Thankfully, music still helped our spirits fly." We then see a man's legs leave the ground and float in the air.

]]>NetflixYou now can get your first look at Paradox, the new movie starring Neil Young that was written and directed by his girlfriend, actress Daryl Hannah. The official trailer for the film has premiered on the Netflix YouTube channel.

The promo begins with a montage of images, including a cluster of white tents under a starry sky, a forest path, a marshy pond and a deer's skull tied to a wooden board. At the same time, we hear Willie Nelson's voice saying, "Many moons ago, in the future, a mangy group of outlaws hid out by a precious water source, while the real bad guys quietly stole the seeds of life."

We see those outlaws -- played by the members of Young's current backing group, Promise of the Real -- walking through the woods, and then sitting around a campfire and throwing their hats in the air, firing guns and yelling.

We then get a close-up look at Neil's character, we hear him singing his recent song "Peace Trail" as an unidentified voice declares, "The Man in the Black Hat, I hear he can be kind of shaky."

This is likely an inside joke: Neil has directed five music-related films under the alias "Bernard Shakey."

The trailer continues with quick glimpses of a young girl running toward the tents, the outlaws entering another and performing a tune, and Neil handing a flower to the girl.

As the trailer ends, we hear Nelson's voice say, "Thankfully, music still helped our spirits fly." We then see a man's legs leave the ground and float in the air.

]]>Highlights from recent Rock Hall ceremonies featured on new home video compilationhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/cce2069093afb7954fdea9ae10d0cc6f
Wed, 14 Mar 2018 10:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/cce2069093afb7954fdea9ae10d0cc6fTime Life/Rock & Roll Hall of FameA new video compilation featuring highlights from the last four Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be released on April 24 as a four-DVD set and a two-Blu-ray package.

The videos also feature a variety of guest artists who helped induct the honorees and/or joined in on the special performances and jam sessions that were part of the ceremonies.

Among the many special moments featured on the discs are Paul McCartney inducting and performing with his old Beatles bandmate Starr; Bruce Springsteen honoring and playing with his longtime backing group, The E Street Band; Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich welcoming Deep Purple into the hallowed Hall; and Cheap Trick, Chicago, Jett & the Blackhearts, Journey and Yes playing their classic songs with both current and former members.

In addition to the video set, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: In Concert Digital Album Collection, comprised of five separate albums featuring performances from 2010-2011, 2012-2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016-2017, respectively, also will be issued on April 24, via Amazon, iTunes and other online music sellers.

The releases spanning from 2014 to 2017, of course, will feature audio of some of the aforementioned highlights, while the other albums include performances by Heart, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice Cooper, Donovan, Dr. John, Leon Russell, The Stooges, Tom Waits and members of The Hollies and The Small Faces & Faces.

]]>Time Life/Rock & Roll Hall of FameA new video compilation featuring highlights from the last four Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be released on April 24 as a four-DVD set and a two-Blu-ray package.

The videos also feature a variety of guest artists who helped induct the honorees and/or joined in on the special performances and jam sessions that were part of the ceremonies.

Among the many special moments featured on the discs are Paul McCartney inducting and performing with his old Beatles bandmate Starr; Bruce Springsteen honoring and playing with his longtime backing group, The E Street Band; Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich welcoming Deep Purple into the hallowed Hall; and Cheap Trick, Chicago, Jett & the Blackhearts, Journey and Yes playing their classic songs with both current and former members.

In addition to the video set, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: In Concert Digital Album Collection, comprised of five separate albums featuring performances from 2010-2011, 2012-2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016-2017, respectively, also will be issued on April 24, via Amazon, iTunes and other online music sellers.

The releases spanning from 2014 to 2017, of course, will feature audio of some of the aforementioned highlights, while the other albums include performances by Heart, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice Cooper, Donovan, Dr. John, Leon Russell, The Stooges, Tom Waits and members of The Hollies and The Small Faces & Faces.

]]>Randy Bachman says kinship he felt for George Harrison inspired his new tribute albumhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/3634ac0946a25eda3d712e8a05dd77cb
Wed, 14 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/3634ac0946a25eda3d712e8a05dd77cbUMeFounding Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive member Randy Bachman's new George Harrison tribute album, By George – By Bachman, is available now digitally, while a CD version will be released Friday, March 16.

Bachman timed the album's release to coincide with what would've been Harrison's 75th birthday. He tells ABC Radio that he recorded the homage because he "felt a real kinship" with the late Beatles guitarist.

"I bought the same guitars as George," he explains. "I wrote a song called 'Any Road' [and he] had a song called 'Any Road.'…I grew up playing Chet Atkins, Carl Perkins [and] Merle Travis kind of picking. He always did that behind The Beatles."

As for the album's concept, Bachman explains that he took a selection Harrison's songs "and tried to reinvent them, re-envision them, and pay tribute to them as a songwriter, as if somebody handed me the lyric sheets and notes and I had to create my own background."

He adds, "How many guys would love to do this…re-record Beatles songs, but make them all so different that nobody knows what they are until you start singing, and then they know every lyric?"

Among the interesting covers on By George are a reggae-flavored rendition of "Here Comes the Sun" and a version of "My Guitar Gently Weeps" that sounds like it was recorded by Neil Young and Crazy Horse.

Bookending the album is an original song Bachman wrote called "Between Two Mountains" about Harrison's struggle to be noticed as a songwriter while playing alongside John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

Randy adds that after his own band heard the tune, "they sent me back an email saying, 'We're in tears. This is the most spiritual, touching song you've ever written.'"

]]>UMeFounding Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive member Randy Bachman's new George Harrison tribute album, By George – By Bachman, is available now digitally, while a CD version will be released Friday, March 16.

Bachman timed the album's release to coincide with what would've been Harrison's 75th birthday. He tells ABC Radio that he recorded the homage because he "felt a real kinship" with the late Beatles guitarist.

"I bought the same guitars as George," he explains. "I wrote a song called 'Any Road' [and he] had a song called 'Any Road.'…I grew up playing Chet Atkins, Carl Perkins [and] Merle Travis kind of picking. He always did that behind The Beatles."

As for the album's concept, Bachman explains that he took a selection Harrison's songs "and tried to reinvent them, re-envision them, and pay tribute to them as a songwriter, as if somebody handed me the lyric sheets and notes and I had to create my own background."

He adds, "How many guys would love to do this…re-record Beatles songs, but make them all so different that nobody knows what they are until you start singing, and then they know every lyric?"

Among the interesting covers on By George are a reggae-flavored rendition of "Here Comes the Sun" and a version of "My Guitar Gently Weeps" that sounds like it was recorded by Neil Young and Crazy Horse.

Bookending the album is an original song Bachman wrote called "Between Two Mountains" about Harrison's struggle to be noticed as a songwriter while playing alongside John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

Randy adds that after his own band heard the tune, "they sent me back an email saying, 'We're in tears. This is the most spiritual, touching song you've ever written.'"

]]>Moody Blues Q&amp;A among special Rock Hall events leading up to the 2018 induction ceremonyhttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/dd044f34c7eef62b630f26ab5a317777
Tue, 13 Mar 2018 18:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/dd044f34c7eef62b630f26ab5a317777Courtesy of The Moody BluesThe Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland has announced a series of special events next month leading up to the 2018 induction ceremony on Saturday, April 14, which will honor The Moody Blues, Bon Jovi, The Cars, Dire Straits, Nina Simone and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

Among the events will be Hall of Fame Series interview session with Moody Blues members Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge on Thursday, April 12, starting at 7 p.m. ET with themed happy hour. The event is free with admission to the Rock Hall, although space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Q&A also will be streamed live on the Hall of Fame's Facebook page.

That same day, The Moody Blues' new concert film, Days of Future Passed Live, will be screened all day for free at the Rock Hall's Foster Theater.

Here are some of the other events and activities taking place at the Rock Hall in celebration of this year's induction ceremony:

--On Friday, April 6, the new Joan Jett documentary Bad Reputation will be shown at the Foster Theater at 7:30 p.m. ET as part of the Cleveland International Film Festival.

--On Saturday, April 7, the museum will host a Celebration Day running from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET that will give fans the chance to get a first look at the newly revamped Rock Hall. The daylong bash will offer live music, new exhibit premieres, educational programs, a Bon Jovi album-listening event, film screenings, a fireworks display and more.

--On Saturday, April 14, the Rock Hall's official website, Facebook page and YouTube channel will stream footage from the pre-ceremony red carpet from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET.

]]>Courtesy of The Moody BluesThe Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland has announced a series of special events next month leading up to the 2018 induction ceremony on Saturday, April 14, which will honor The Moody Blues, Bon Jovi, The Cars, Dire Straits, Nina Simone and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

Among the events will be Hall of Fame Series interview session with Moody Blues members Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge on Thursday, April 12, starting at 7 p.m. ET with themed happy hour. The event is free with admission to the Rock Hall, although space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Q&A also will be streamed live on the Hall of Fame's Facebook page.

That same day, The Moody Blues' new concert film, Days of Future Passed Live, will be screened all day for free at the Rock Hall's Foster Theater.

Here are some of the other events and activities taking place at the Rock Hall in celebration of this year's induction ceremony:

--On Friday, April 6, the new Joan Jett documentary Bad Reputation will be shown at the Foster Theater at 7:30 p.m. ET as part of the Cleveland International Film Festival.

--On Saturday, April 7, the museum will host a Celebration Day running from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET that will give fans the chance to get a first look at the newly revamped Rock Hall. The daylong bash will offer live music, new exhibit premieres, educational programs, a Bon Jovi album-listening event, film screenings, a fireworks display and more.

--On Saturday, April 14, the Rock Hall's official website, Facebook page and YouTube channel will stream footage from the pre-ceremony red carpet from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET.

]]>North American leg of Yes' 50th anniversary tour to launch in Junehttp://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/6e3c62844a7bb80c23c40433bdf4dbca
Tue, 13 Mar 2018 14:05:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/6e3c62844a7bb80c23c40433bdf4dbcaCredit: Glenn GottliebYes has announced plans to kick off a North American leg of its 50th anniversary tour in June. Official dates and other details about the cross-country trek, which will visit such major cities as New York, Philadelphia and Seattle, will be revealed next week.

The tour gets underway with a series of European shows starting tonight in Bristol, U.K., and mapped out through a March 30 concert in Paris. Those gigs will feature Yes performing most of its 1973 album Tales of Topographic Oceans along with a variety of hits and fan favorites from throughout its career. Check out the group's full confirmed itinerary at YesWorld.com.

In other news, Yes will be releasing a new version of its 2011 album Fly from Here, called Fly from Here -- Return Trip, on March 25. The updated collection features new lead vocals by the prog-rock band's Drama-era frontman, Trevor Horn -- who produced Fly from Here -- replacing those originally sung by ex-singer Benoit David. The re-imagined record also includes a previously unreleased track called "Don't Take No for an Answer," which was recorded in 2011 and features guitarist Steve Howe on lead vocals, and the full-length version of the song "Hour of Need" that previously was only available as a bonus track in Japan.

With Horn added on vocals, Fly from Here -- Return Trip reunites the full Yes lineup that recorded 1980's Drama, which also featured Howe, late bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White and keyboardist Geoff Downes. Horn and Downes, of course, were bandmates in new wave act The Buggles before joining Yes.

You can pre-order Fly from Here -- Return Trip in various formats now at PledgeMusic.

]]>Credit: Glenn GottliebYes has announced plans to kick off a North American leg of its 50th anniversary tour in June. Official dates and other details about the cross-country trek, which will visit such major cities as New York, Philadelphia and Seattle, will be revealed next week.

The tour gets underway with a series of European shows starting tonight in Bristol, U.K., and mapped out through a March 30 concert in Paris. Those gigs will feature Yes performing most of its 1973 album Tales of Topographic Oceans along with a variety of hits and fan favorites from throughout its career. Check out the group's full confirmed itinerary at YesWorld.com.

In other news, Yes will be releasing a new version of its 2011 album Fly from Here, called Fly from Here -- Return Trip, on March 25. The updated collection features new lead vocals by the prog-rock band's Drama-era frontman, Trevor Horn -- who produced Fly from Here -- replacing those originally sung by ex-singer Benoit David. The re-imagined record also includes a previously unreleased track called "Don't Take No for an Answer," which was recorded in 2011 and features guitarist Steve Howe on lead vocals, and the full-length version of the song "Hour of Need" that previously was only available as a bonus track in Japan.

With Horn added on vocals, Fly from Here -- Return Trip reunites the full Yes lineup that recorded 1980's Drama, which also featured Howe, late bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White and keyboardist Geoff Downes. Horn and Downes, of course, were bandmates in new wave act The Buggles before joining Yes.

You can pre-order Fly from Here -- Return Trip in various formats now at PledgeMusic.

]]>"Elton John: I'm Still Standing -- A Grammy Salute," featuring Elton, Valerie Simpson and more, to air April 10http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/ce2d80195663fa11f9e1eaf55e34f5b3
Tue, 13 Mar 2018 14:00:00 -0500http://classichits925.com/abc-classic-hits/ce2d80195663fa11f9e1eaf55e34f5b3Michele Crowe/CBSThe star-studded tribute concert to Elton John that was taped a few days after the 60th annual Grammy Awards will air next month on CBS.

The special also featured celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris and Anna Kendrick introducing the participating artists' performances of Elton John songs, and other entertainers doing poetic recitations of Bernie Taupin's lyrics. The show closed with Elton himself performing a medley of his greatest hits, with the cast joining him for a big finale.

Here's a list of the performances you'll see on the two-hour special, which airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT on April 10:

The special also featured celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris and Anna Kendrick introducing the participating artists' performances of Elton John songs, and other entertainers doing poetic recitations of Bernie Taupin's lyrics. The show closed with Elton himself performing a medley of his greatest hits, with the cast joining him for a big finale.

Here's a list of the performances you'll see on the two-hour special, which airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT on April 10: